December 2008-The end

Last day of the year! And what a year it has been. In 2008, I got married, traveled to the US Virgin Islands, bought a house, got pregnant, I guess I could continue with other firsts, but isn't that about enough for one year?? It has been wonderful.

Christmas was great. We had a perfect day...starting at the Burden's, on to mom & dad's, then to Precious', and finally home to host a supper for O'Hara's family. We made a pretty good lasagna. Anyway, everyone was especially generous with us this year. We have accumulated many, many baby things including clothing, shoes, bedding, diapers, wall art, and blankets. I'm starting to think that this baby will not want for much! Santa also brought me a new Coach bag, which is awesome. It smells so good.

I finally took down all the decorations this week. Our house looks so bare now. But not for long. There is about to be a bunch of baby stuff all over the place, so I better enjoy the space for now. Tonight O'Hara and I plan on going to a movie and he's gonna cook me that delicious pasta dish with the turkey bacon in it. I can't wait. It'll be my first New Year's with out champagne in many years! I think I may like the pasta better!

Resolutions and such for 2009:

1. Take more pictures!!! I always wish I had more. I can never remember to take them. Surely, baby will cure me of this.

2. Cut out the cussing. I am not a big cusser or anything, but sometimes I just bust. I certainly do not want to present myself as one with a foul mouth.

3. In Sunday school last week we talked about how everyone makes resolutions that have to do with oneself. So, the goal is to do something for others instead. I'm not sure what gifts I have to share just yet, so I'm gonna have to pray on this one.

Everyone be safe and have a blast this New Year's Eve!

December 2008-The beginning

I don't really know how to take pictures like this...hints the bad lighting from the flash.
A nativity scene

Santa hanging loose in the kitchen

The dining room looks prettier than this shows

The only year O & I will have solo stockings on this mantle!!

Our pretty little tree

Hey guys. Thought I'd post some pictures of the house decorated for Christmas.

We went to Montreat this past weekend. It was neat for me and O to have that "sleep in the same room" right-of-passage this year. We pushed the beds together to make the room cozy, but had separate sheets, so whatever! It was a fun time.

I enjoyed the lesson on "punctuation" in our lives: What are your exclamation marks? Your question marks? Your periods? Your ...'s?? I've been thinking about that this week. I think sometimes it's hard to trust in the Lord have the faith it takes to rid ourselves of the question marks, meanwhile showing exclamation for all His greatness. Let's not forget what this holiday and season of advent is all about.

This baby girl is kicking me like you wouldn't believe (unless, of course you've had children and know exactly what I'm talking about. ) Each day I am getting more and more excited about her and our family and what it all means. I am so full of emotion I could burst. We really are so blessed to have all that we do. O'Hara and I were talking about what we want for Christmas this year. Have we already started to grow up? Because we both wanted something for the baby. I have never felt closer to my husband.

Thanksgiving holidays 2008

We left for Pawleys on Wed. lunchtime. It was a nice drive down. We had both our dogs and one puppy along for the trip. Mom, Precious, James, Chasie, & Parker were down already and later that evening Ellen & Jeff and Tom, Cindy, James, & Thomas arrived. We ate and talked and went to bed!
Thanksgiving was a GREAT day! Rick & Fran, Christina, and Gene, Addison & Logan joined us. The puppy we call "Sassy" has a new name..."Abby." Ad & Gene decided they are gonna take the pup on Wed. We are happy for them and glad we will get to see her as she grows!
Anyway, Gene fried 2 turkeys and we all chipped in and made a dish or two. A fabulous meal! The weather was wonderful. Some of us ate on the front porch and watched the waves and the dolphins!! Everyone napped and hung out all day. Friday the girls went shopping in Myrtle beach (not me...I shopped around Pawleys.) The guys went to the hardware store, and then we all ate some more and watched movies! (We also played a little Wii.) We woke up Sat. morning early and got on the road at 8am. We made it to Lexington (to visit with Kathy & Al) just in time for Carolina kick-off. Terrible game, but great company! Denise, Jerry & Kaitlyn were also there. We did some more eating and talking. What else is there?? It was fun.
Yesterday, I skipped church and worked on Christmas decorating. Mom & I went to eat lunch and shopped for a few hours and got some beautiful things for our house!!! Then O & I went to eat over at mom & dad's house for supper. Another great day. Today we plan on getting our Christmas tree. I am excited. I can't wait to have all the house all decorated and the clutter in the attic!!! Happy December yall!